Sports Update » Taylor McHarguehttp://blog.chron.com/sportsupdate
Blogging special sports events and storiesSun, 02 Aug 2015 20:20:37 +0000en-UShourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=4.2.2Rice practice report: Briggs forced to end football careerhttp://blog.chron.com/sportsupdate/2012/09/rice-defensive-end-briggs-forced-to-end-career/
http://blog.chron.com/sportsupdate/2012/09/rice-defensive-end-briggs-forced-to-end-career/#commentsThu, 27 Sep 2012 00:43:17 +0000http://blog.chron.com/owls/?p=8811
Rice defensive end Trey Briggs' football career has been cut short by concussion symptoms, head coach David Bailiff said Wednesday.]]>Rice defensive end Trey Briggs’ football career has been cut short by concussion symptoms, head coach David Bailiff said Wednesday.

Trey Briggs, left, will remain with the Owls as a student assistant.

Briggs, a junior from Jersey Village, was forced to end his playing career on the recommendation of a neurologist. His latest setback was a concussion suffered Sept. 15 against Louisiana Tech. As a result of the concussion, Briggs has still not been cleared to return to classes.

“It’s got to be a long-term decision,” Bailiff said. “We’ve got to put the kids first, but his career is done.”
Briggs, who moved from linebacker to defensive end during preseason camp, will remain with the Owls as a student coach, Bailiff said.

• • •

Rice junior quarterback Taylor McHargue, who injured his left non-throwing shoulder against Marshall, did not practice Wednesday.

“We’ll see if he does anything (Thursday),” Rice head coach David Bailiff said. “We’ll know pretty quick.”

If McHargue is unable to play, redshirt freshman Driphus Jackson will make his first career start against Houston in Saturday’s Bayou Bucket.

]]>http://blog.chron.com/sportsupdate/2012/09/rice-defensive-end-briggs-forced-to-end-career/feed/2Who will quarterback the Owls? McHargue has edge as spring football wraps uphttp://blog.chron.com/sportsupdate/2012/03/who-will-quarterback-the-owls-mchargue-has-edge-as-spring-football-wraps-up/
http://blog.chron.com/sportsupdate/2012/03/who-will-quarterback-the-owls-mchargue-has-edge-as-spring-football-wraps-up/#commentsThu, 29 Mar 2012 21:30:04 +0000http://blog.chron.com/owls/?p=6836
Coach David Bailiff said junior Taylor McHargue is ahead in the race for the Owls' starting quarterback job.]]>At the start of spring football, coach David Bailiff said the Owls’ quarterback job was wide-open between Taylor McHargue and Driphus Jackson.

Quarterback Taylor McHargue began last season as the Owls' starter before turnovers cost him the job. (Chronicle file)

As the Owls prepare for Friday’s annual Blue-Gray game, Bailiff said McHargue has put some separation the race for the starting job.

“Right now, Taylor is ahead,” Bailiff said. “The experience of the last two years has really helped him.”

McHargue began last season as the starter, but a series of turnovers in Conference USA play cost him the job to senior Nick Fanuzzi. McHargue did not play the final four games and only sparingly in the second half of the season.

Asked what has impressed him the most about McHargue, Bailiff said it’s been “how he is leading the team and his progression reading coverages.”

Bailiff also made a point to say “I think we have two fine quarterbacks” and that Jackson, who has big-play potential, will likely see playing time early next season.

“He’s learning,” Bailiff said of Jackson, who redshirt last season. “Every day he comes out here he gets better.”

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Coach David Bailiff said senior Nick Fanuzzi gets the edge at quarterback "because he takes care of the football."

“If I had to give an edge to somebody right now it would be Nick, because he’s taken care of the football,” Bailiff said at his weekly press conference. “At that position you have to take care of the football. We can’t have mistakes, especially costly turnovers, there.”

Rice came out in the Wild Owl formation to begin last week’s 73-34 loss to Houston. Fanuzzi was 3-of-9 passing for 81 yards and a touchdown and McHargue was 3-of-8 for 27 yards.

The quarterback situation became murky following a 38-20 loss to Tulsa on Oct. 22. In that game, McHargue had three turnovers (two interceptions and a fumble) on the Owls’ first 11 plays and was benched for the second time this season.

McHargue, who began the season as the starter, has committed seven turnovers in Conference USA play.

Asked whether he plans to continue to use both quarterbacks, Bailiff said: “It’s something I’d like to get away from.”

• • •

Chris Boswell is among 20 semifinalists for the Lou Groza Award, presented annually to the nation’s top placekicker.

Boswell has converted a career-high 12 field goals in 14 attempts, including a career-best 51-yarder against Houston, and all 22 extra-point attempts this season. With four games remaining, Boswell is five field goals shy of the school record 17 set by James Hamrick in 1985.

During his weekly Monday press conference, Bailiff said he won’t announce his starting quarterback – either incumbent Taylor McHargue or backup Nick Fanuzzi – until kickoff of Thursday night’s Bayou Bucket game at Robertson Stadium.

Nick Fanuzzi, left, came in for injured Taylor McHargue during the Oct. 15 game at Marshall. (The Herald-Dispatch)

“Why would I?” Bailiff said about announcing his quarterback plans in advance.

When does he plan to announce his decision?

“Game time,” he joked.

In all seriousness, Bailiff said he plans to make his decision based off practice early in the week. McHargue was benched after two interceptions and a fumble on the Owls’ first 11 offensive plays (which led to 17 points) in Saturday’s 38-20 loss to Tulsa.

Fanuzzi was 20-of-37 for 234 yards and one touchdown in place of McHargue.

“We’ll see how they practice,” Bailiff said. “We’ve got a lot invested in Taylor and Nick. Nick took care of the football the other night. That’s the first thing they’ve got to do at that position – take care of the football.”

While the decision might not be known publicly, Bailiff said the Owls need to know early as they go through practice this week.

“We’ll make (the decision) a lot sooner than later,” Bailiff said. “This team needs to know.”

In four Conference USA games this season, McHargue has seven turnovers (four interceptions and three fumbles).

“We’ve got to get his swagger back, we’ve got to get his confidence back,” Bailiff said.

]]>http://blog.chron.com/sportsupdate/2011/10/rice-coach-bailiff-keeping-starting-quarterback-a-secret/feed/9Rice’s McHargue hopes gloves more than just a passing fancyhttp://blog.chron.com/sportsupdate/2011/10/rices-mchargue-hopes-gloves-more-than-just-a-passing-fancy/
http://blog.chron.com/sportsupdate/2011/10/rices-mchargue-hopes-gloves-more-than-just-a-passing-fancy/#commentsTue, 18 Oct 2011 03:48:56 +0000http://blog.chron.com/owls/?p=4306
Rice quarterback Taylor McHargue plans to experiment with wearing gloves after having a ball slip out of his hands against Marshall for the second time this season.]]>After being evaluated by a neurologist Monday afternoon, Rice quarterback Taylor McHargue is probable for Saturday’s game against Tulsa.

McHargue is expected to return to practice Tuesday, three days after he experienced concussion-like symptoms and had to leave in the fourth quarter against Marshall.

Barring unforeseen circumstances, McHargue said he expects to start against the Golden Hurricane.

“I’m not going to mess around with this,” McHargue said. “If I feel like I’m in any danger to play Saturday, I’m not going to.”

There will be one noticeable change when he returns to practice; For the first time in his career, McHargue plans to wear gloves on both hands.

McHargue said the decision is to help with quick releases; there have been two occasions this season when McHargue lost his grip on a pass attempt and fumbled the ball, the latest Saturday against Marshall.

McHargue tested the gloves for 30 minutes Monday.

“I just feel more comfortable with them on,” he said. “I wouldn’t be doing it if I didn’t think it would really help. I’m going to give it a shot. I think it should cut down on the issues.”

McHargue wore a glove on his left (non-throwing) hand in high school primarily to help his grip on pitches out of the triple-option. But he’s never considered tinkering with his throwing hand until now.

“I didn’t mess with that,” he said.

McHargue said the grip issues have been most noticeable when he attempts to make quick screen passes.

“Those are the ones I have trouble with a lot of times,” he said. “A lot of times when I throw bubble (screens) it looks like I kicked it to them. It’s end-over-end, not a tight spiral. A lot of times I’m trying to search to find the laces and with the gloves I don’t have to.”

• Coach David Bailiff said cornerback Chris Jammer (concussion) and wide receiver Randy Kitchens (ankle) are expected to be cleared to play against Tulsa.

]]>http://blog.chron.com/sportsupdate/2011/10/rices-mchargue-hopes-gloves-more-than-just-a-passing-fancy/feed/8Rice weighs all options at quarterback — including a freshmanhttp://blog.chron.com/sportsupdate/2011/10/rice-weighs-all-options-at-quarterback-including-a-freshman/
http://blog.chron.com/sportsupdate/2011/10/rice-weighs-all-options-at-quarterback-including-a-freshman/#commentsMon, 17 Oct 2011 19:01:04 +0000http://blog.chron.com/owls/?p=4289
The Owls are awaiting word on starter Taylor McHargue, who experienced concussion-like symptoms after a fourth-quarter hit in Saturday's loss at Marshall. Coach David Bailiff did not rule out the possibility of taking the redshirt tag off freshman Driphus Jackson.]]>Rice sophomore quarterback Taylor McHargue is scheduled to see a neurologist Monday afternoon, coach David Bailiff said at his weekly press conference.

McHargue suffered concussion-like symptoms after taking a hit late in the fourth quarter of Saturday’s loss at Marshall.

Nick Fanuzzi (above) could get the call if Taylor McHargue is unable to start for Rice. Or not. (Smiley N. Pool / Chronicle)

“We’ll know more after he visits with the neurologist,” Bailiff said.

Bailiff said he saw McHargue on Sunday and he “looked pretty good” but still had a slight headache.

]]>http://blog.chron.com/sportsupdate/2011/10/rice-weighs-all-options-at-quarterback-including-a-freshman/feed/6Rice helmet stickers: BCS skid comes to an endhttp://blog.chron.com/sportsupdate/2011/09/rice-helmet-stickers-bcs-skid-comes-to-an-end/
http://blog.chron.com/sportsupdate/2011/09/rice-helmet-stickers-bcs-skid-comes-to-an-end/#commentsSun, 11 Sep 2011 04:28:02 +0000http://blog.chron.com/owls/?p=3795
The Owls snap a 22-game losing streak to Bowl Championship Series opponents with a 24-22 victory over Purdue.]]>After every win this season I will present helmet stickers.

Drum roll, please …

Linebacker Justin Allen: Made the play of the game, blocking a 31-yard field goal attempt by Carson Wiggs as time expired to preserve the Owls’ 24-22 victory over Purdue. For the game, Allen was credited with a team-high 10 tackles and a half-sack and tackle for loss.

Defensive end Scott Solomon: He was all over the field with eight tackles, two sacks and 3.5 tackles for loss. His third-quarter sack of Caleb TerBush pushed the Boilermakers out of field-goal range.

Kyle Martens: He showed why he’s one of the best punters in the nation, averaging 50.1 yards on seven punts, including a 65-yarder on the Owls’ opening possession. In two games (12 punts), Martens is averaging 49.5 yards and has four downed inside the 20-yard line.

Rice defensive coaching staff: They were oft- criticized throughout last season as the Owls ranked among the worst units in the nation. But through two games the Owls have shown vast improvement. You only need to look to the second half Saturday. Yes, Purdue moved down the field to set up a potential game-winning drive in the closing seconds. But with the offense sputtering at times, the game could have gotten out of hand. The defense made two stops with Purdue deep in Rice territory in the third quarter and only allowed a field goal in the second half.

Tight end Luke Willson: He made a tough four-yard touchdown catch on a laser by quarterback Taylor McHargue to end the first half. He finished with four catches for 36 yards.

Taylor McHargue: Forget about the fumble that eventually led to a second-half Purdue field goal. After the game, McHargue said he should just secure the ball and take the sack. Remember, McHargue was making only his sixth career start. This is what he did right: he marched the Owls down the field (completing 5 of 6 passes) on a game-tying drive to end the first half. Then he came out on the opening drive and delivered the go-ahead touchdown, a 19-yard pass to a wide-open Sam McGuffie. For the game, McHargue was 19-of-29 for 230 yards and two touchdowns and no interceptions.

Team: I don’t usually give out an all-encompassing helmet sticker. But when you snap a 22-game losing streak to BCS opponents it only seems appropriate.

]]>http://blog.chron.com/sportsupdate/2011/09/rice-helmet-stickers-bcs-skid-comes-to-an-end/feed/10Rice camp preview: Five things to watchhttp://blog.chron.com/sportsupdate/2011/08/rice-camp-preview-five-things-to-watch/
http://blog.chron.com/sportsupdate/2011/08/rice-camp-preview-five-things-to-watch/#commentsSat, 06 Aug 2011 15:19:25 +0000http://blog.chron.com/owls/?p=3285
After back-to-back losing seasons, the Rice Owls begin fall football practice Saturday with renewed expectations and one of the deepest rosters in the five-year David Bailiff era. Here are five things to keep an eye on throughout camp:
]]>After back-to-back losing seasons, the Rice Owls begin fall football practice today with renewed expectations and one of the deepest rosters in the five-year David Bailiff era.

Here are five things to keep an eye on throughout camp:

1. IMPROVEMENT IN THE SECONDARY

This is an area the Owls badly need to improve after finishing 119th against the pass last season. Four starters return, among them leading tacklers Corey Frazier and Travis Bradshaw at the safety positions and cornerbacks Chris Jammer and Phillip Gaines. Paul Porras gets the nod at the final safety spot entering camp, but Xavier Webb also could see playing time. During the offseason the Owls hired cornerbacks coach Chris Thurmond, who brings nearly 30 years experience from coaching stops that include Houston, Oklahoma, Alabama, Texas A&M and Kentucky. “He’s a wiley veteran with a lot of highway miles,” Bailiff said. “That’s one of those positions sometimes gray hair is good.”

Sam McGuffie led the Owls in rushing and receiving yards last season. (Bob Levey/Getty Images)

2. MORE PRESSURE ON THE QUARTERBACK

If Scott Solomon has his way, opposing quarterbacks won’t have time to get comfortable in the pocket. Solomon, an all-conference defensive end, returns after missing last season with a foot injury. The Owls return starting defensive tackles John Gioffre and Michael Smith, while Jared Williams and Dylan Klare man the other end position. Two areas new defensive line coach Derrick Jackson plans to stress in camp: improving on nation-fewest 37 tackles for loss and forcing more turnovers.

3. HELP FOR SAM MCGUFFIE

McGuffie was the Owls’ do-everything back, leading the team in rushing and receiving yards in his first season after transferring from Michigan. The Owls hope to take some of the pressure off McGuffie, and there’s no reason they shouldn’t with an experienced offense that returns 10 starters. The backfield is especially loaded with at least five players who could see playing time, among them sophomore Jeremy Eddington. Eddington had a team-leading 10 rushing touchdowns – on only 59 rushing attempts – while playing almost exclusively in the Wildcat formation during the final seven games.

4. HELP WANTED: WIDE RECEIVER

For the first time in three years, the Owls enter camp with their quarterback situation settled. Now the task becomes finding targets for sophomore Taylor McHargue. There are questions at receiver, but the cupboard isn’t completely bare for new coach Billy Lynch. Tight end Luke Willson has all-conference potential and Vance McDonald, a physical specimen at 6-foot-5 and 230 pounds, should create matchup problems with move from tight end to receiver. Another move to watch is former backup quarterback Taylor Cook to tight end. Senior Randy Kitchens can be “a difference-maker” if he can stay healthy, Bailiff said, and the Owls could get help from Donte Moore, Mario Hull, Jordan Taylor and Klein Kubiak, to name a few.

5. MANY HAPPY RETURNS

Is this the year? The Owls own two of the longest droughts in the nation; they haven’t returned a kickoff for a touchdown since 1984 and it’s been since 1997 they brought back a punt. Junior Charles Ross was spectacular late in the season (school record 261 kickoff return yards vs. Tulane) and enters camp as the primary return man. The Owls also hope Shane Turner (hand/wrist) can return. Redshirt freshman Bryce Callahan, who averaged 25.8 yards as a senior at Cy Woods, and Roddy Maginot are the leading candidates to handle punt returns.

• • •

In case you missed any of it, here’s the complete camp countdown of players/coaches to watch:

]]>http://blog.chron.com/sportsupdate/2011/08/rice-camp-preview-five-things-to-watch/feed/4Camp countdown: No. 5 Quarterback Taylor McHarguehttp://blog.chron.com/sportsupdate/2011/08/camp-countdown-no-5-quarterback-taylor-mchargue/
http://blog.chron.com/sportsupdate/2011/08/camp-countdown-no-5-quarterback-taylor-mchargue/#commentsTue, 02 Aug 2011 05:50:25 +0000http://blog.chron.com/owls/?p=3200
After missing most of the season with a shoulder injury, Taylor McHargue returned to lead the Owls to a pair of victories to end the season. For the first time in three years, the Owls do not enter camp with a quarterback controversy with McHargue the clear-cut starter.
]]>A daily look at 10 players/coaches to watch as the Owls prepare to report for training camp Aug. 5.

Taylor McHargue led the Owls to a pair of victories to end the season after missing eight games with a shoulder injury. (Bob Levey/Getty Images)

• Position: Quarterback
• Year: Sophomore.
• Height: 6-1.
• Weight: 205.
• Hometown: Cedar Park.
• 2010 stat line: 33-for-58, 491 yards, six touchdowns, one interception.
• Outlook: Why is McHargue on this ‘watch list?’ Yes, the Owls know what he’s capable of. And, yes, for the first time in three years the Owls do not enter training camp with a quarterback controversy. But for all the glowing reviews McHargue received for his performance down the stretch – which included a pair of season-ending home wins against East Carolina and UAB – he still played roughly 13 quarters last season. McHargue won the starting job out of camp last summer and started the season opener before suffering a dislocated shoulder in Week 2 at North Texas. He missed the next eight games before returning during the final two weeks. “He really is special,” coach David Bailiff said. With no doubts about the quarterback pecking order, McHargue can concentrate on getting reps and learning any new wrinkles from offensive coordinator John Reagan, who replaces David Beaty, during camp. McHargue will be surrounded by plenty of offensive weapons; the Owls return 10 starters, among them running backs Sam McGuffie and Jeremy Eddington, tight end Luke Willson, wide receiver Vance McDonald and four starters on the offensive line. The Owls have the type of offense that could average 30-plus points per game. McHargue is a dual-threat quarterback and can make plays “with his arm, head and feet,” Bailiff said.